In the aftermath of last week's 6.1 earthquake in the North Bay, many people are revisiting their disaster preparedness plans. Please remember that as you plan for your family's safety, you should also plan for your pets. A well-practiced disaster plan for you and your pets will not only reduce stress, but will also save precious time and lives.

Before disaster strikes

Identify your pet. Keep your pet license current and make sure a collar and ID tags with current contact information are worn at all times. Consider having a safe, permanent microchip implanted in your pet; this ID cannot be lost or removed. The Marin Humane Society offers microchipping for a nominal fee.

Crate train your pet. Train your cat and dog to enter its carrier on command. Do this by putting your pet's favorite treat in the carrier and naming the action something like "in your crate." Then, rewarding with verbal praise and more treats when it enters. Repeat the process every day, until your pet comes running at your request to the crate. This training will be extremely helpful in locating a frightened animal.

Secure and stabilize bird cages and aquariums. Because these items may move or break during a disaster, secure them on low stands or tables.

Develop a neighborhood plan. Get to know your neighbors and their pets. Keep an updated list of their home and work numbers, and select a neighborhood coordinator who will be ready to assist should a disaster occur when you are not at home. MHS Capt. Cindy Machado, director of animal services, believes this is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your pet's safety.

Take pets with you

If a disaster warrants that you evacuate, take your pets with you. Animals left behind in a disaster can easily become injured, lost or killed. Animals left inside your home can escape through earthquake-damaged areas, such as broken windows. Animals turned loose to fend for themselves are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food or water, or accidents. Leaving animals tied or chained outside, while always a bad idea, can be a death sentence in a disaster.

Follow all guidelines provided by your emergency services agency and remember to evacuate early, don't wait for mandatory evacuation orders. If you wait to be evacuated by emergency officials, you may be told to leave your pets behind. Remember that using your car may not be an option, especially if you live in areas with narrow roads and dense vegetation. Walking may be your only choice, so keep that in mind when you are preparing for your evacuation.

Plan an emergency kit

As part of your personal and pet response plan, prepare an emergency kit in a watertight plastic storage container which includes:

• leashes,

• collars,

• harnesses,

• ID tags, and dog licenses

• water and food

• medications and veterinary records

• photos to prove ownership

If Fido can't come

While we strongly discourage you from leaving your pets behind during an evacuation, if you must, follow these guidelines to help secure your pets safety:

• Post a highly visible sign in a window to let rescue workers know how many pets were left behind.

• Leave plenty of water in a large, open container that cannot be tipped over.

• Leave plenty of food in timed feeders. These will prevent your pet from eating a week's worth of food in one day.

• Do not tie or cage your pet as the chances for survival are greater if he or she can escape easily.

Lost pets

If your animal becomes lost, immediately call or go to the nearest animal shelter or emergency command post, and check back frequently. When deemed safe, return to your neighborhood to post or distribute lost pet posters with photos. Continue to search your area for your missing pet — a frightened animal can stay hidden for days. Set up a feeding station and place clothes with your scent nearby. Call neighbors or service workers such as mail carriers, police, firefighters and PG&E workers for leads. If you find a lost pet notify your local animal shelter and be prepared to give a full description of the animal and location.

For more information on Disaster Preparedness for pets and farm animals, please look under "Resources" at MarinHumaneSociety.org

We know you love your pets. Make sure they're safe, no matter what mother nature has in store for us.